In a bid to encourage and recognise budding motor sport talent in the Middle East, HSBC and the Dubai Autodrome are two well known organisations that are providing an incredible amount of support through the HSBC Racing Academy. This was an initiative developed under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in 2006. The three young drivers who are the beneficiaries of this solid support have received intensive training to ensure that they reach a high level of performance potential. The goal of the HSBC Racing Academy is to identify and train young racers, to a level where they are competent and confident enough to compete against the best talent at international level.
The three drivers of the HSBC Racing Academy, are steadily moving ahead. With each new race, it is evident that they are gaining more confidence and using their newly acquired experience to further their performances and improve positions. Pushing limits in the race last weekend at Dijon, France, Khalid Al Mutawaa and Thani Al Thani, put on a truly commendable performance in the Formula Renault Campus French Championship.
Despite lagging behind in the qualifying race, the determined drivers refused to be disheartened and roared ahead, with an accelerated level of skill. Although Mohammed Al Abdooli was forced to withdraw, due to gear box problems, Thani who started in the 11th position managed to finish the race in a very encouraging 10th place and scored his first point of the season. Khalid in turn started in the 15th position and despite some excellent moves and techniques; he was unable to overcome several mechanical problems and therefore was prevented from bettering his position. He finished in the same position in which he had started.
The three local stars from the UAE have trained on the Dubai Autodrome track in preparation for their first international competition. They have also undergone two courses at the famous Auto Sports Academy in France. But apart from this intensive training, what keeps all three drivers accelerating towards the finish line, is the incredible passion that they have for racing. Their enthusiasm remains undimmed as they hold fast to their ambition of finishing each race in an excellent position. Despite the many years of experience that goes in favour of the other international racers, the three first-time competitors are not fazed or under-confident about their abilities to put up a good performance and are very keen to get started in the next race held in Pau on the 2nd and 3rd of June
About the Dubai Autodrome
Dubai Autodrome is the region's first fully-integrated motorsports facility. The Autodrome is a state-of-the-art complex featuring an FIA sanctioned 5.39 km track, There are six track permutations, with three of them being able to work simultaneously, giving unparalleled options for track users. The complex, part of the Union Properties MotorCity development, includes a Race & Driving School, a CIK-approved Kart track; is ideal for concerts and corporate entertainment. Dubai Autodrome also acts as a social destination and tourist attraction for overseas visitors.
